By Ken Jackson
Sports Writer

Two key players in Harmony’s recent baseball success are moving on, but not without college grants in tow.

Shortstop Jorge Chavarria and third baseman/pitcher Tyler Lesch signed on for next year at Palm Beach Atlantic University and Seminole State College, respectively, at a ceremony at the team’s recent Senior Night.

Chavarria batted leadoff for the Longhorns the past three seasons and had the team’s highest batting average this year at .483. Lesch was the No. 2 pitcher in Coach Mike Fields’ rotation this season.

Chavarria’s road to West Palm Beach to play for the Division II independent program coached by Baseball Hall of Famer Gary Carter came by way of a showcase he attended with his travel team, Team One.

“Their coaches invited me to their tryout camp in the winter, and they offered to me down there, ” he said. “The offer was good, better than the junior colleges (Baltimore-Catonsville, Pensacola) who had offered.

“Playing for Gary Carter gives me an opportunity to learn and it’s a Christian university so it’s a really good environment.”

Chavarria was last year’s Osceola News-Gazette Player of the Year, and not just for his bat. He committed no errors in 85 chances, unheard of for a shortstop, and he kept up the Gold Glove-type display during his senior year, with just two errors.  

“I have been fortunate to have a lot of great shortstops in my coaching career, but I believe Jorge is at the top of the list,” Fields said. “He has everything you need to be a big time player — great hands, quickness, outstanding range, strong arm and he can hit the ball with power to all fields.”

Fields is confident of his shortstop’s future success.

“He will be an excellent addition to Palm Beach Atlantic and they are projecting him to be a starter as an incoming freshman,” he said. “He is a class act and would make any parent proud.”

Proximity also is on Chavarria’s side, as the school is just two hours from Harmony and a little over an hour from his hometown of Miami, enabling family to easily see him play there.

Lesch played in many showcases last summer with his travel club, Orlando Baseball Academy, when he caught the eye of Seminole’s coaching staff, including Head Coach Chris Hayes. Hayes made the offer during the winter, one that beat out Lake-Sumter Community College.

Lesch said that his speed and ability to hit from both sides of the plate are his strengths.

“I’ve been one of the fastest 60-yard guys on every team I’ve played on,” he said. “I want to improve my arm strength. But the biggest adjustment I’ll have to make is adjusting to the eighth and ninth innings of ball games.”

Fields said Lesch developed into an outstanding hitter during his senior year and looks forward to seeing him play in Lake Mary.

“He should do very well at Seminole. I believe he will handle junior college pitching without any problems,” Fields said.

Fields, Harmony’s only baseball coach after a long career at  St. Cloud High,  said Lesch will take advantage of this opportunity.

“Tyler is a super young man with strong parents who care about the right things. We are also excited about Tyler getting the chance to continue his baseball career, plus it will be closer for us to come and watch him play.”